Courtesy of Minorcan Datil

This recipe is a long time favorite in St. Augustine, Florida and comes from the owners mother in-law, Mildred McQuaig.

INGREDIENTS:

½ lb. white bacon
2 medium onions
1 large can tomatoes
1 green pepper
2 bay leaves
8-10 whole cloves
½ teaspoon thyme
2 lbs. shrimp
3 cups rice
3 cups water
salt and pepper
1 datil pepper (can use one from you Minorcan Datil Vinegar bottle!)

DIRECTIONS:

In heavy pot, render diced bacon. Add minced onion, green pepper, datil pepper and sauté until light brown. Add can of tomatoes, bay leaves, cloves, thyme, salt and pepper. Cook until the consistency is thick. Add cleaned shrimp and water, cook about 5 minutes. Add raw rice and bring to a rolling boil. Turn heat down, stir and cook over very low heat for 10-15 minutes.

Remove from heat, stir gently and allow to stand an additional 30 minutes or until rice is done.